Fire Chief Danny Wilkerson Honored

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August 31, Henderson — Fire Chief Danny Wilkerson retired Monday after 40 years of service. He became chief in 1999. A reception and dinner was held in his honor Monday afternoon from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM at Central Fire Department on Dabney Drive. There were easily more than 300 people in attendance.

Wilkerson was all smiles at the event. He did not move more than a couple feet the entire two and a half hours as he shook the hand of each person in attendance.

As Wilkerson’s tenure wound down, he stood tall once again for his department as he has for so many years.

Assistant Fire Chief Steve Cordell will serve as Interim Fire Chief during the application and selection process.

If you combine Danny’s total service and his father Ranger Wilkerson’s total time together, Henderson has been served by the Wilkerson family for 80 years.

Danny Wilkerson started as a firefighter on July 24, 1975.  On April 1, 1999, Chief Danny Wilkerson became chief as former Chief Ranger Wilkerson retired.  Ranger served 40 total years and 32 years as chief.  All together, their time protecting and serving has spanned 55 consecutive years.

Danny also served under contract as chief to Vance County through October of 2009.

Chief Wilkerson said, “We restructured the department some after he (Ranger) retired, and they may do that again when I leave, but the mission is still the same.”  He agreed that it was to protect and serve.

Wilkerson reflected to a time in 2009 when deadly fires occurred in Henderson almost back to back.  Several young people had perished.  He said, “I felt like we were doing something wrong.  That’s when we started our fire inspection program, and we haven’t had a fire death since then.  We try to get into every home in the city limits and do inspections, get the person a smoke detector and install it.”

It just hit him recently that it was time to retire.  “I’m not going home to just sit down.  I will do something.  Both my kids are out of college,” he said.  “It was just the right time.  It will give someone else a chance to be chief.  The department is in good shape, and the mission will be carried forward.”  Wilkerson spoke of how he was proud to work with the members of his department.

He said he would like to thank his family.  Sandra, his wife, and his children Reece and Abbey “have supported me all the way,” he said.  “Now I’m going to spend some more time with them.  I have missed a lot of my children growing up, and I wish I hadn’t, but that is part of the job.  I’m going to make it up now.”

The thing Wilkerson said he would miss more than anything — “I will miss the people in and around Henderson and the relationships.”

(Commentary:  WIZS Radio would like to thank Fire Chief Danny Wilkerson for helping us on the phone, helping us with the reports, and for being accessible to help us gather news.  He is a friend to this city and community, and he is a friend of local radio.  The Daily Dispatch newspaper wrote in its earlier coverage of his retirement that it was the end of an era.  It is indeed and a good one at that.  The foundation put down by the Wilkerson family in modern-day firefighting is promising for the next era to be bright as well.  Sincerely,  John Charles Rose)

 

New statewide agreement helps VGCC students transfer to private schools

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Vance-Granville Community College students will enjoy clearer pathways to completing a four-year degree, thanks to a new Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) between the N.C. Community College System and the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.

Approximately 2,000 community college students transfer to one of North Carolina’s 36 independent higher education institutions each year. VGCC’s highly-regarded College Transfer program provides students with the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. College Transfer courses are offered at all four VGCC campuses and online.

On Aug. 27, Dr. R. Scott Ralls, the president of North Carolina’s system of 58 community colleges, and Dr. A. Hope Williams, the president of NCICU, signed the revised ICAA at William Peace University, one of the 22 private colleges and universities that have agreed to the standards of the new transfer plan.

The agreement better defines transfer options for students between the two systems, saving North Carolinians money and potentially shortening the time to bachelor’s degree completion.

“This signing, joined with our revised agreement with the UNC system in 2014, brings North Carolina’s higher education alignment to a new level,” said Dr. Ralls. “It means increased access and opportunity for our community college students and clearly defined pathways to success at both public and private higher education institutions in our state. I commend the NC Independent Colleges and Universities for proactively working toward this agreement for the benefit of both systems’ students and their families.”

The ultimate goal of the ICAA is to help a student transfer credits from a community college to an NCICU institution with minimal loss of credit or repetition of work.

The ICAA moves community college students toward their four-year degree goals by clearly defining transfer pathways and how earned credit hours fit into the requirements of signatory institutions. The ICAA:

  • Identifies foundational courses that will transfer to all signatory institutions to meet general education requirements;
  • Improves the success of transferring students through required coursework that ensures students will map their academic pathway to the desired independent institution; and
  • Encourages community college students to complete an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS) degree before transferring by guaranteeing entry as juniors with full transfer credit.

In 2014, the State Board of Community Colleges and the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system signed a similarly revised agreement, updating guidelines that have saved students and families both time and money, and that have stretched taxpayer-funded dollars. The ICAA is consistent with the University of North Carolina system agreement, meaning students will have the same transfer guarantees regardless of the type of senior institution in the state they attend.

In addition to the two comprehensive system-wide agreements, VGCC also has several bilateral articulation agreements with four-year schools (both public and private) that allow students to transfer credits in specific programs.

“This strengthened partnership between North Carolina’s public and private educational institutions is good news for Vance-Granville students, who will be able to achieve professional and personal success by completing a bachelor’s degree, in less time and at a lower cost,” said Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs.

The revised ICAA, updated from the previous articulation agreement signed in 2007, is effective for new college transfer students in the fall of 2015 at the signatory colleges and universities.

The institutions that have signed onto the new agreement thus far include: Barton College, Belmont Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Chowan University, Guilford College, Lees-McRae College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University and Wingate University.

Locals Serving at State Level

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Dr. Michael Putney, principal at Dabney Elementary School, and Dr. Larry Webb, principal at Northern Vance High School serve on the State Superintendent’s Principals’ Advisory Committee. Dr. Putney, seated at far right, and Dr. Webb, standing at far right, are shown with members of the committee during their meeting held in late July. Additional members include, seated from left, Amy Richardson; Steve Lassiter, who is the N.C. Principal of the Year; Robin Hamilton and Christopher Poston. Others shown are, standing from left, Dr. June Atkinson, state superintendent; Catherine Tahaney; Billie Berry; Shane Mace; Robin Calcutt; and Brad Breedlove. Dr. Putney is the president of the NCAE Division of Principals and Administrators and Dr. Webb was the Northeast Region Principal of the Year.State Superintendent Council

Father Dead, Son Arrested

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FROM THE OFFICE OF VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF PETER WHITE:

On Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at approximately 2:17 A.M., deputies responded to a call in reference to an assault at 47 Fulcher Farm Lane.

Upon arrival, they found a single-wide mobile home on fire, fully involved.  Shortly after arrival, it was discovered that the victim, Willie Ralph McAffee II, age 53 of this same address, was still inside and died in the fire.  No other injuries occurred.

The investigation revealed that Willie Ralph McAfee III, age 27, was involved in a physical altercation with Willie McAffee II (his father) inside the home and fled the scene.  He was apprehended a short distance away from the scene.

It appears that the fire was deliberately set.  However, it is unclear at this time whether the victim died from the fire or the altercation.  An autopsy will be performed on the body.

Willie R. McAffee III has been arrested and charges will be filed.

Golden LEAF Scholarships Awarded

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A group of students from Vance-Granville Community College recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare related to attending classes during the 2014-15 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon course completion. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The VGCC students who were awarded Golden LEAF scholarships for the summer 2015 term (with their respective programs of study) include:

Jerrell Branch of Norlina (School-Age Education);
Tanita Canty of Kittrell (Early Childhood Education);
Shakeeta Garland of Henderson (Nurse Aide I);
Jerri Hunter of Henderson (Nurse Aide I);
Diandra Hyman-Graham of Warrenton (Health Unit Secretary);
Amanda Lewis of Henderson (Nurse Aide II);
Brandy Lynch of Hollister (Pharmacy Technology);
Samantha Patrick of Henderson (Associate Degree Nursing);
Cheryl Reddrick of Henderson (BioWork Process Technician);
Callie Whittaker of Henderson (Nurse Aide I); and
Jasmine Williams of Henderson (Nurse Aide I).

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to have awarded over 8,000 Golden LEAF Scholarships to help North Carolinians attend our state’s community colleges,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF President. “Our hope is that these scholarships will help build the talent, knowledge and skills of our current and future workforce, especially in the rural areas of our state.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,275 grants totaling more than $561 million since its inception. For more information, about the foundation, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.

Students interested in applying for a Golden LEAF Scholarship should contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3280.

Rain Barrels and Tall Fescue

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Rain Barrel Seminar at Warren County
Thu, August 27, noon

Learn all you need to know about how to build, install and utilize a rain barrel! Rain barrels are a great way to supplement the water supply for your garden and landscape. To be presented by Paul McKenzie, Vance-Warren Agricultural Extension Agent. Please register by calling 252-213-6095 or e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

 

Tall Fescue Season Just Around the Corner!

Do you plan to over seed or re-seed your tall fescue lawn this year? Early to mid September is the preferred time to do so. When shopping for seed, look for a blend of at least three cultivars of turf-type tall fescue. Read the seed tag to get valuable information about quality (germination percent, weed seed, other crop seed, etc.). If you have compacted soil, you may want to aerate as well. A core type aerator that pulls plugs is best. Early September is also a good time to fertilize with a slow release type.

 

Do You Have Backyard Poultry? Please register
NC is at risk for an outbreak of Avian Influenza

In order to prepare for a possible outbreak of Avian Influenza (which affects POULTRY not people!) the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is asking all poultry owners to register their flocks. This includes “backyard” poultry flocks. Doing so will allow for a more rapid, comprehensive and effective response should this devastating poultry disease strike our state. For more information, including a link to an on-line registration form, visit https://www.ncagr.gov/avianflu/

Fallen Soldier’s Family creates VGCC Scholarship in his memory

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A new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College will bear the name of a Vance County native who lost his life in combat during the Iraq War. The Lunsford B. Brown II Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship was recently established by members of his family, including his mother, Deborah F. Brown of Henderson, who chairs the VGCC Board of Trustees.

Deborah Brown said that the family had talked for several years about creating a scholarship in memory of Lunsford, who was killed in action on Sept. 20, 2003, in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, at age 27. He held the rank of Specialist in the U.S. Army and was an electronic intelligence interceptor/analyst, assigned to A Company, 302nd Military Intelligence Battalion.

In addition to his parents, his wife, Sherrie Wheeler Brown, and daughter, Amber (now 12 years old), Lunsford Brown II was survived by a sister, Dana Brown Simpson, and a brother, former NFL player Jason Brown.

Lunsford Brown Family 2015Members of the Brown family gathered for this photo to celebrate the creation of the new Lunsford B. Brown II Memorial Scholarship. They included, in front, from left to right: J.W. Brown Jr., Alexandria Williams, Michael Simpson Jr., Noah Brown and Naomi Brown; in back, from left to right: Lunsford B. Brown, Lunsford B. Brown III (“Tre”), being held by his mother, Tay Brown, Jason Brown, Deborah Brown, Amber Brown, Sherrie Brown, Dana Simpson and Michael Simpson. Young “Tre” was named in honor of his uncle, the namesake of the new scholarship. (photo provided by Brown family)

Deborah Brown remembers her son as both “an artist and an athlete.” After graduating from Northern Vance High School, he enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, where he met his future wife and was a member of the ROTC.

In awarding the new VGCC scholarship, preference will be given to students who are from Vance County and who are enrolled in the Simulation and Game Development degree program. “Lunsford loved video games, so I could see him enjoying and excelling in a program like that,” Deborah Brown said.

“The heroic service and sacrifice of Lunsford B. Brown II will serve as an inspiration to VGCC students and our community for years to come,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “We extend our appreciation to the entire Brown family for their leadership and their support of our students. Their beloved son, brother, husband, father and uncle will forever be remembered through this fitting tribute.”

Deborah Brown, who is also a Vance County commissioner, has served on the college’s Board of Trustees since 2009, and as its chair since 2012. She is also a member of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors.

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,000 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

WIZS – Business Spotlight

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I was visiting one of our latest marketing partners the other day when I noticed a small building in the corner of the lot. I nosily drove over and discovered that a brand new embroidery place had opened. Their hours were unusual, so I knew there had to be a story. The next day I dropped in on Sew Goes It! Embroidery in Oxford, and met Kelly and Dawn Johnson. Kelly and Dawn both have day jobs, but also decided to do some embroidery work on the side at night. They did not seem to have been open long, and yet they also appeared to have a lot going on.

Asking about someone’s goals as a business owner is not exactly the easiest thing to do, but Kelly and Dawn were open with me. Henderson and Oxford are their primary focus, and we found a way to help each other.

Since I started at WIZS back in May of 2011, I have always wanted a 1450 WIZS polo (golf) shirt. I told them that, and Kelly and Dawn found a way to help. The next time you see a member of the WIZS staff there is no need to ask them where they got their golf shirt from because we all got them from Sew Goes It! Embroidery at 911 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

To learn more about Sew Goes It! Embroidery log on to sewgoesit.com or call 919-691-5151.

Vance Farmers Market Parking Lot To Be Paved

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Since the June, 2014 grand opening of The Vance County Regional Farmers Market, market goers have enjoyed a very good gravel lot.  Now, the word it out that pavement is coming, and soon.

In an email from Vance County Cooperative Extension Agent Paul McKenzie, WIZS News has learned that by next Friday, August 28, a new asphalt lot should be installed.

McKenzie wrote, “If all goes as planned, our parking lot will be paved next week with NO disruption to Farmers Market hours! By Tuesday, 8/26, the contractor should have the finish grading complete. And by Friday, 8/28 the asphalt should be installed! Vendors and customers are requested to drive extra slowly on both market days next week and as much as possible avoid ‘turning the wheels while not moving’ (which we all do when trying to park!). We will send an update if the schedule changes. Thanks to everyone for all you do to make our Farmers Market great!”

Warren County Man Sentenced for 2013 Murder

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WARRENTON – A Warren County man took an Alford plea for second degree murder on Wednesday.

William Henry Hunter Jr., 27, of Manson, was sentenced to 144 to 185 months for his role in the 2013 death of Royvitt Lawedy Fortson.

William Henry Hunter Jr. 27 of MansonFortson, a resident of Norlina, died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during the evening hours on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

The shooting occurred at the BP gas station at 927 Oine Road in Norlina and was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation.

Typically, an Alford plea is chosen by a defendant who maintains their innocence but admits the State has sufficient evidence to convict and agrees to be treated as guilty.